GPRS network and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A system for delivering SMS messages to a mobile terminal includes an apparatus and method that deliver the SMS messages either using legacy SMS message formats or data packet formats. Additionally, a connection is created between a message center and a gateway GPRS support node wherein SMS messages may be transmitted to the gateway GPRS support node in a data packet format. To provide this capability, the gateway GPRS support node includes a unique port address for receiving SMS messages and circuitry for processing SMS messages received in a data packet format. A serving GPRS support node is formed to include circuitry for determining whether to transmit the SMS message to the mobile terminal in a data packet format or in a legacy SMS message format.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference and is related to thefollowing applications filed concurrently herewith:

-   -   1. Application Ser. No. 09/742,042 entitled: Dual Protocol GPRS        Message Center and Method Therefor    -   2. Application Ser. No. 09/742,045 entitled: Gateway GPRS        Support Node and Method Therefor    -   3. Application Ser. No. 09/742,046 entitled: Dual Protocol GPRS        Mobile Terminal and Method Therefor

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to mobile communication systemsand more particularly, to general packet radio services for deliveringdata over a circuit switch telephone network.

2. Related Art

The general packet radio service (GPRS) is a new non-voice value addedservice that allows information to be sent and received across a mobiletelephone network. It supplements, or rides on top, of today's circuitswitched data and short message service networks. The theoreticalmaximum speed of GPRS includes speeds of up to 171.2 kilobits per second(kbps). This maximum speed is achievable in GPRS systems using all eighttimeslots at the same time in a time division multiple access (TDMA)context.

This speed is about three times as fast as data transmission speedspossible over today's fixed telecommunication networks and ten times asfast as current circuit switched data services on Global System forMobile Communications (GSM) standard TDMA networks. Thus, GPRS systemsare advantageous in that they require less system resources to transmita fixed amount of data in comparison to using a traditional circuitswitched approach. By allowing information to be transmitted morequickly, immediately, and efficiently, across the mobile network, GPRSmay well be a relatively less costly mobile data service compared to SMSand circuit switch data.

GPRS also facilitates instant connections in which information can besent or received immediately as the need arises, subject to radiocoverage. No dial up modem connection is necessary. GPRS, similar tosome broadband connections for personal computers, often is referred toas being “always connected.” Thus, another one of the advantages of GPRSis that data may be transmitted immediately, whenever the need arises.In contrast to circuit switched data in which a connection must beestablished to transmit a data packet or data file, GPRS operation isextremely efficient in those situations in which a small amount of datais to be sent.

As the emphasis of many designs today are to create wireless computernetworks, and to connect data devices including personal computers towireless transceivers and mobile terminals, such a system that providesinstantaneous response is very important for time critical applications,and, more generally, for the implementation of wireless computernetworks.

For example, a remote credit card authorization system implemented in awireless network can be greatly improved if it is unnecessary for thecustomer to wait the amount of time that is required to establish aconnection. Anyone that has waited at a cash register for creditauthorization while a modem dials in and transmits account informationcan readily appreciate this advantage.

Additionally, GPRS facilitates the use of Internet applications not onlyfrom personal computers, but also from appliances and machines. It isanticipated that, in the future, appliances will be designed to becoupled to the Internet for control either onsite or remotely. Whilesome people envision connecting these appliances to a network port byphysical lines, it would clearly be advantageous to be able to connectsuch appliances to the Internet through a wireless link. GPRS willfacilitate the creation of Internet controlled appliance networksthrough a wireless medium.

As suggested before, GPRS involves overlaying a packet based airinterface on an existing circuit switched wireless network. For example,the circuit switched wireless network may comprise a GSM network.Accordingly, the user is given an option to utilize a packet based dataservice. In order to overlay a packet based air interface over a circuitswitched network, the GPRS standard defines new infrastructure nodes tominimize the impact to existing networks in terms of hardware andsoftware.

One advantage of GPRS is that packet switching that results from theinfrastructure nodes allows the use of GPRS radio resources only whenusers actually are sending or receiving data. Unlike traditional circuitswitched voice networks, a connection is not continuously reserved for auser for the intermittent transmission of data. This efficient use ofscarce radio resources means that larger number of GPRS users can sharethe same bandwidth and be served from a single base station 216 or cell.The actual number of users, of course, that may use the system at onetime depends on the amount of data being transferred.

Short message service (SMS) is a service that is provided in wirelesstelecommunication networks that enables short alphanumeric messages tobe transmitted to and received from mobile telephones. Typically, ashort messaging service center (SMSC) is formed and connected to awireless network to enable mobile telephones to exchange short textmessages with other networks. Typically, a short message service messageis transmitted over a short message service channel (SMSCH). Forexample, in IS-136 networks, the SMSCH carries signaling information forset up and delivery of short alphanumeric messages from the cell site tothe user terminal equipment. In IS-136, SMSCH is a logical subchannel ofthe SMS point-to-point messaging, paging and access response channel,which is a logical channel of the digital control channel. The digitalcontrol channel (DCCH) is a signaling and control channel that isemployed in cellular networks, more particularly, in time divisionmultiple access (TDMA) networks. The DCCH operates on a set offrequencies separate from those used to support the cellularconversations.

In current systems, either implemented or under design, a message centertypically includes SMS processing logic as well as communicationprotocol logic for signaling system number seven (SS7) wireline circuitswitched telephone networks. SS7 networks utilize a circuit switchedplane for carrying voice and a tandem control plane to setup the circuitswitching as a part of call setup. The message center typically transmitshort message service messages over an SS7 network to a mobile switchingcenter (MSC) that, in turn, transmits the SMS message to a serving GPRSsupport node (SGSN). The SGSN, in turn, forwards the SMS message to thewireless network, and more particular, to the base station for deliveryto the destination mobile terminal.

It is desirable, however, to transition from an SS7-based network to apacket network, for example, one with an IP-based infrastructure.Economic and technical advantages, including speed of applicationdevelopment and lower costs due to economies of scale are being realizedin the IP industry because of the huge success of the Internet. In orderto ease the transition to new network architectures, while alsosupporting the functionality provided by SMS, there is a need to provideIP-based access to the message center. The current definition of theGPRS network architectures does not allow such IP-based access. Thus, asdescribed before, SS7 telephone networks are used to transport SMSmessages between the message center and the SGSN. It would beadvantageous, however, if a message center could transmit SMS messagesto an SGSN by way of a data packet network such as the Internet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method are provided for enabling a GPRS message center totransmit SMS messages over a data packet network, such as the Internet,to a serving GPRS support node. From there, the serving GPRS supportnode may deliver the SMS message to the SGSN and then to the mobileterminal by way of a base station.

More specifically, a GPRS message center is modified to include an IPcommunication module in addition to an SMS message processing module andan SS7 communication module. A network port is coupled to the IP moduleto enable the message center to transmit SMS messages over an IP packetprotocol to a gateway GPRS support node. An SMS proxy (SMSP) module isformed within the GGSN to receive and process SMS messages that weretransmitted using an IP protocol. The GGSN, then places the SMS messagewithin a GPRS tunneling protocol message for transmission over an IPnetwork to the serving GPRS support node.

The serving GPRS support node, in one embodiment of the invention,transmits the SMS message in an IP protocol to the base station fordelivery to the mobile terminal. In an alternate embodiment of theinvention, the SGSN removes the IP headers to place the SMS message intoa traditional SMS form for transmission through the logical link control(LLC) protocol layer. Thus, the present invention facilitates the use ofthe Internet for delivery of SMS messages between a serving GPRS nodeand a GPRS message center in one of two different paths using one ofthree different forms or protocols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiment is consideredwith the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a GPRS network.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a GPRS network according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for delivering SMS messagesthrough a GPRS network according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for delivering SMS messagesthrough a GPRS network according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method within a gateway GPRSsupport node for processing SMS messages.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates the method performed by aserving GPRS support node for delivering SMS.

FIG. 7A is a functional block diagram of a mobile terminal formedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a functional block diagram of an alternative embodiment of amobile terminal according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a GPRS network. GPRS network 100includes a GPRS message center 104 that is coupled to communicate with amobile switching center 108 by way of an SS7 network line and to delivershort message service messages thereto. Mobile switching center 108 iscoupled to communicate with a serving GPRS service node 112 also by wayof an SS7 network line and to forward SMS messages thereto. The SGSN 112is coupled to communicate with a wireless network for delivering SMSmessages to mobile terminals such as mobile terminal 120. For the sakeof simplicity, FIG. 1 shows SGSN 112 being connected to a base station116. It is understood, however, that the wireless network furtherincludes mobile switching centers and base station 216 transceiversystems (BTS) that have their traditional roles in establishingcommunications with mobile terminals 120.

Once base station 116 receives the SMS message for delivery to themobile terminal 120, it transmits the message through an antenna in acell area in which the mobile terminal 120 was last registered fordelivery to a mobile terminal 120 over a wireless communication link.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, a gateway GPRS support node 124 includesnetwork ports to receive GPRS data packets from the Internet as well asfrom private data networks, which network ports receive the data packetsin an IP protocol. The GGSN 124 then transmits the data packets in an IPprotocol to SGSN 112. Thus, SGSN 112 is operable to receive data packetsin an IP format for transmission to a mobile terminal 120 by way of basestation 116.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a GPRS network according to oneembodiment of the present invention. As may be seen, the network 200 ofFIG. 2 includes a message center 204, a mobile switching center 208, anSGSN 212, a base station 216, and a mobile terminal 220, all coupled asdescribed with respect to FIG. 1. Here in FIG. 2, however, the network200 includes dashed lines for the SS7 network links between the messagecenter 204, the MSC 208, and the SGSN 212 to reflect those links arethere but are not used for the transport of SMS messages within network200 according to the present invention (although they can be used).

Thus, as may be seen, a GGSN 224 includes an IP network port 228 havingan address that is reserved for receiving SMS messages in an IP formatfrom a message center 204. An IP port 204A within message center 204 iscoupled to a data packet network comprising multiple communication pathsand routers. At least one of the routers within the data packet networkis coupled to an IP port 228 within gateway GPRS support node (GGSN)224. An SS7 communication port 204B is coupled to an SS7 network fortransmitting SMS messages to MSC 208. An internal SMS message processingmodule 204C performs traditional SMS message processing. Additionally,it is formed to determine whether to transmit the SMS messages over theIP or data packet network or over the SS7 network. In an alternateembodiment of the invention, a message center may be formed to onlytransmit SMS messages over the data packet network. For this embodiment,the SMS processing module 204C does not include the logic fordetermining whether to transmit the SMS messages over the SS7 or datapacket networks.

As may also be seen, GGSN 224 is coupled to communicate with a GPRS homelocation register (HLR) 232. GPRS HLR 232 further is coupled to SGSN212. The function of GPRS HLR 232 is to provide mobile terminal 220location and profile information as needed to GGSN 224 and SGSN 212.

Typically, HLR information is organized and processed in relation to amobile ID number. Thus, a GGSN seeking profile or location informationtransmits a request to the HLR containing a mobile ID number. The HLRresponds by transmitting the requested information. Before now, however,the GGSN has not generated queries to the GPRS HLR 232 to obtainlocation information for the delivery of SMS messages. The present GGSN,however, must be able to determine that it has received an SMS messagefor delivery to a mobile terminal and must then query the GPRS HLR 232to determine the destination SGSN 212 to which the SMS message should beforwarded.

As may be seen, both the GGSN and the SGSN communicate with GPRS HLR 232to obtain information regarding mobile terminal 220. GGSN 224communicates with HLR 232 to determine that the SMS message 236 is to besent to SGSN 212 based upon the last known location of mobile terminal220. SGSN 212, however, may require information about the capabilitiesof mobile terminal 220 so that it can appropriately determine the formatof a message that is to be delivered to the mobile. For example, amobile terminal 220 that is capable of receiving IP data packets wouldreceive SMS messages transmitted in an IP data packet format. A mobileterminal 220 without such a capability, however, would receive an SMSmessage 236 from SGSN in a legacy SMS message 236 format.

Continuing to examine FIG. 2, the operation of network 200 fordelivering a short message service message from message center 204 tomobile terminal 220 is as follows. IP module 204A communicates with SMSmodule 204B to determine that the message center 204 has a short messageservice message that needs transmitting to mobile terminal 220 by way ofa data packet network. IP module 204A, responsive to determining thesame, places IP header information around an SMS message 236 that is tobe transmitted through network 200. Additionally, IP module 204Aconverts the SMS message 236 into an IP format (data packet format) fortransmission through network 200. Thereafter, SMS message 236 istransmitted from an IP port 204A over an IP network to IP network port228 of GGSN 224. IP port 204A specifically assigns address informationto the packets that form the SMS message 236 to cause those packets tobe routed directly to IP network port 228. As is understood by thoseskilled in the art, SMS message 236 may actually comprise a plurality ofdata packets and may actually be transmitted over a plurality of IPnetwork lines to the specific address that causes them to be received atIP network port 228. The representation of one SMS message 236 beingtransmitted over one line between message center 204 and GGSN 224 is forthe sake of simplicity.

When a message center 204 is processing an SMS message 236 for deliveryto a mobile terminal 220 and it has the option of transmitting themessage by way of a data packet network as well as by way of an SS7network, it must determine which path to employ. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the default mode is to transmit by way of the data packetnetwork unless a specified condition is realized. Such specifiedconditions include determine, from a mobile station ID, that the mobileterminal 220 is not data packet capable. Another specified conditionincludes determining that a specified level of congestion or delay isbeing realized for transmissions that include, at least in part, thedata packet networks. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, themessage center 204 transmits SMS messages in a traditional manner as adefault unless it determines, from the mobile station ID, that themobile terminal 220 is data packet capable and that the correspondingsubscriber profile states a preference for receiving SMS messages in adata packet format.

Upon receiving the SMS message 236 data packets, GGSN 224, and moreparticularly, an SMS Processing Module (SMSP) 240 processes the SMS datapacket to continue routing the SMS message 236 to mobile terminal 220.SMSP 240 is formed in hardware in one embodiment of the invention. Inanother embodiment, however, the logic of SMSP 240 is defined bycomputer instructions that are executed by an internal processor of GGSN224.

Initially, SMSP 240 determines whether the destination mobile terminal220 has an active PDP context. To do so, it communicates with GPRS HLR232 to determine not only whether the mobile terminal 220 has an activePDP context, but also to determine which SGSN is acting as a servingGPRS support node 212 for the mobile terminal 220. If mobile terminal220 does have an active PDP context, for example, with SGSN 212, thenSMSP 240 merely continues to forward the data packets containing the SMSmessage 236 to SGSN 212 using a GPRS tunneling protocol. Thus, as may beseen, GGSN 224 transmits SMS message 236 in a GDP protocol to SGSN 212.If mobile terminal 220 does not have an active PDP context, then GGSN224, and more particularly, SMSP 240 initiates an active PDP context. Asa part of determining whether mobile terminal 220 has an active PDPcontext, the location of mobile terminal 220 and of initiating an activePDP context, SMSP 240 communicates with HLR 232 to obtain the necessaryinformation.

SGSN 212, upon receiving SMS message 236 in the GPRS tunneling protocolmay request and receive profile information from GPRS HLR 232.Thereafter, SGSN 212, and more particularly, an SMS module 244 formedwithin SGSN 212, transmits the SMS message 236 to base station 216 that,in turn, delivers the SMS message 236 to mobile terminal 220 over awireless interface. As will be described in greater detail, SGSN 212transmits the SMS message 236 to base station 216 in one of at least twodifferent formats.

While the present invention creates a network that supports thetransmission of SMS messages from a message center to an SGSN by way ofa data packet network such as the Internet, the SGSN also can and willreceive SMS messages from an SS7 format in a traditional manner.Accordingly, the inventive SGSN is coupled and formed to receive andprocess SMS messages received from a plurality of networks in aplurality of protocol defined formats. Thus, the SGSN further must beformed to determine which, of a plurality of formats, should be used fordelivering the SMS message to the mobile terminal by way of a wirelessnetwork. For example, the SGSN must determine whether to forward themessage in an IP format or in a legacy format as it is likely to receivethe message in either of these two formats. Thus, if necessary, the SGSNmust convert a message from one format to another.

In the first format, the SMS message 236 is transmitted from SGSN 212 tobase station 216 in an IP data packet format. In an alternate embodimentof the invention, established GPRS procedures for delivery of SMSmessages through a logical link control (LLC) protocol layer are usedfor delivering the SMS message 236 from SGSN 212 to base station 216(and vice versa).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for delivering SMS messagesthrough a GPRS network according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The following method of FIG. 3 is illustrated with respect toFIG. 2 for exemplary purposes. A GPRS message center 204 determines totransmit an SMS message over an IP network instead of an SS7 network. Itthen transmits an SMS message 236 to a gateway GPRS support node 224using a packet protocol to a specified packet port address 228 reservedfor receiving SMS messages (step 304). As has been described previously,the gateway GPRS support node 224 defines a specific port address thatis exclusively for receiving SMS messages from a GPRS message center204. Thus, when the message center 204 transmits a plurality of datapackets forming an SMS message 236, each of the packets include thespecific port address within the GGSN 224 to cause IP routers (notshown) to route the packets thereto.

The data packets are then received at the specific port address andreformed into the initial SMS message 236. Thereafter, within thegateway GPRS support node 224, an SMS processing module 240 processesthe received SMS message 236 (step 308). As a part of processing thereceived SMS message 236, the SMS processing module 240 receives theplurality of data packets that form the SMS message 236. It alsoanalyzes the packets and determines an identity of the mobile terminal220 to which the message is to be delivered. SMSP 240 also determines ifthe destination mobile terminal 220 to which the SMS message 236 is tobe delivered has an active PDP context (step 312) The presence of anactive PDP context indicates that the GGSN 224 has a delivery address orGTP tunnel for the SGSN 212 serving the mobile. In the describedembodiment, the SMSP 240 queries GPRS HLR 232 to determine whether thereexists an active PDP context for the mobile terminal 220.

If the destination mobile terminal 220 does not have an active PDPcontext, the GGSN 224 initiates a network requested PDP contextactivation (step 316). The procedure, as outlined in the GPRS standards,consists of the GGSN 224 contacting the GPRS HLR 232 to retrievelocation information for the mobile terminal 220 including the currentSGSN 212 serving the mobile terminal 220. The GGSN 224, upon receivingthis information, initiates a GTP tunnel and PDP Context Activation withthe SGSN 212. This step, of course, is optional according to whether thedestination mobile terminal 220 has an active PDP context.

Thereafter, once an active PDP context has been established or it isdetermined to already be in place, the gateway GPRS support node 224,and more particularly, the SMSP 240 there within, forwards the SMSmessage 236 to the serving GPRS support node 212 (step 320). The servingGPRS support node 212 is the one that is coupled to a base station 216for the cell in which the mobile terminal 220 is located.

The gateway GPRS support node 224 forwards the SMS message 236 to theserving GPRS support node 212, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, utilizing a GPRS tunneling protocol wherein the message istransmitted in an IP packet format. Once the serving GPRS support node212 receives the message, it forwards the message to the base station216 for delivery to the mobile terminal 220 (step 324). Within themobile terminal 220, the received SMS message 236 then is processed toremove the IP packet headers of the IP data packets, and thenreconstructs the SMS message 236 and then transmits it to an internalSMS processing module or circuitry (step 328). As is understood by thoseskilled in the art, the SMS processing module within the mobile terminal220 may be formed either in hardware or logically by processor-executedsoftware.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for delivering SMS messagesthrough a GPRS network according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The following method of FIG. 4 is illustrated with respect toFIG. 2 for exemplary purposes. A GPRS message center 204 transmits anSMS message 236 to a gateway GPRS support node 224 using a packetprotocol to a specified packet port defined within the gateway GPRSsupport node 224 (step 404). As has been described previously, thegateway GPRS support node 224 defines a specific port address that isexclusively for receiving SMS messages from a GPRS message center 204.Thereafter, within the gateway GPRS support node 224, an SMSP 240processes the received SMS message 236 (step 408). As a part ofprocessing the received SMS message 236, the SMSP 240 determines if thedestination mobile terminal 220 to which the SMS message 236 is to bedelivered has an active PDP context (step 41 2). The presence of anactive PDP context indicates that the GGSN has a delivery address or GTPtunnel for the SGSN serving the mobile.

If the destination mobile terminal 220 does not have an active PDPcontext, the GGSN initiates a network requested PDP context activation(step 416). This step, of course, is optional according to whether thedestination mobile terminal 220 has an active PDP context. Thereafter,once an active PDP context has been established or it is determined toalready be in place, the gateway GPRS support node 224, and moreparticularly, the SMS proxy module there within, forwards the SMSmessage 236 to the serving GPRS support node 212 (step 420). The servingGPRS support node 212 is the one that is coupled to a base station 216for the cell in which the mobile terminal 220 is located. The gatewayGPRS support node 224 forwards the SMS message 236 to the serving GPRSsupport node 212, in one embodiment of the present invention, utilizinga GPRS tunneling protocol wherein the message is transmitted in an IPpacket format.

After receiving the SMS message 236 from the gateway GPRS support node224, the serving GPRS support node 212 strips the IP header informationthat was formed as a part of the IP data packets that comprise the SMSmessage 236 and reforms the data packets in their proper order torecreate the SMS message 236 (step 424). The serving GPRS support node212 then transmits the SMS message 236 to the mobile terminal 220 usinglegacy GPRS protocol procedures (step 428). Finally, the SMS message 236is received by the mobile terminal 220 and is processed by an SMSprocessing module formed within the mobile terminal 220 (step 432). TheSMS message 236 processing module may be formed either within hardwareor within logic defined by computer instructions that are executed by aprocessor within the mobile terminal 220.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method within a gateway GPRSsupport node for processing SMS messages. The following method of FIG. 5is illustrated with respect to FIG. 2 for exemplary purposes. Initially,a gateway GPRS support node 224 receives an SMS message 236 in a packetprotocol from a GPRS message center 204 at a specified port that is forreceiving SMS messages (step 504). Thereafter, the gateway GPRS supportnode 224 extracts the mobile station ID (step 508) and determineswhether the mobile terminal 220 has an active PDP context (step 512). Ifthe mobile terminal 220 does not have an active PDP context, the gatewayGPRS support node 224 queries a GPRS home location register (GPRS HLR232) to obtain mobile terminal 220 location information (step 516).Responsive thereto, the gateway GPRS support node 224 receives mobileterminal 220 location information from the GPRS HLR 232 (step 520).Thereafter, the gateway GPRS support node 224 initiates a PDP contextactivation procedure for the serving GPRS support node 212 that iscoupled to a base station 216 that is in communication with the mobileterminal 220 (step 524). Thereafter, the gateway GPRS support node 224forwards the SMS message 236 to the serving GPRS support node 212 fordelivery to the mobile terminal 220 (step 528). In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the SMS message 236 is forwarded to the serving GPRSsupport node 212 using a GPRS tunneling protocol.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates the method performed by aserving GPRS support node for delivering SMS messages according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The following method of FIG. 6 isillustrated with respect to FIG. 2 for exemplary purposes. Referring nowto FIG. 6, a serving GPRS support node 212 initially receives datapackets from a gateway GPRS support node 224 in an IP data packet format(step 604). In one embodiment of the present invention, the data packetsare received using a GPRS tunneling protocol. With respect to the datapackets, in one embodiment of the invention, the data packets complywith an Internet protocol and have Internet protocol defined headers.Thereafter, the serving GPRS support node 212 determines that thepackets received, in one embodiment, in the GPRS tunneling protocol,contain data packets that comprise at least one SMS message 236 (step608). As an optional step, the serving GPRS support node 212 obtainsuser profile information from a GPRS HLR 232 wherein the user profile isfor the mobile terminal 220 that is to receive the SMS message 236 (step612). Thereafter, the serving GPRS support node 212 examines the userprofile to determine a preferred message delivery method (step 616).After analyzing the user profile for the destination mobile terminal220, the SGSN determines whether the destination mobile profile callsfor SMS messages to be delivered in an IP data packet protocol format(step 620). By way of example, a preferred message delivery method cancomprise either delivery in an IP format or in a traditional legacy SMSmessage 236 format. Responsive thereto, the message is transmitted tothe mobile terminal 220 having the IP headers in an IP packet format ifthat is the format specified in the profile (step 624). If not, then theIP header information is removed, the SMS message 236 is reconstructed,and is transmitted to the mobile terminal 220 using traditional orlegacy transmission forms and protocols (step 628).

FIG. 7A is a functional block diagram of a mobile terminal formedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring now toFIG. 7A, a mobile terminal 700 includes a microphone 704 and a speaker706 for receiving and playing audio, respectively. Additionally, mobileterminal 700 includes an audio processor module 708 that is coupled toreceive microphone inputs from microphone 704 and to produce audio soundfor playback to a user through speaker 706. Mobile terminal 700 furtherincludes a signal processor 710 for transmitting and receiving wirelesscommunication signals.

In addition to the audio processing and signal processing provided bymodules 708 and 710, mobile terminal 700 further includes an SMSprocessing module 712 for processing SMS messages that are received inan IP data packet format. It is understood, of course, that the SMSprocessing module 712 is not limited just to Internet protocol datapackets but can include modules for processing data packets formed underdifferent protocols or formats. Mobile terminal 700 further includes alegacy SMS message processing module 714 that is for processing SMSmessages that are received by mobile terminal 700 which messages weretransmitted using a legacy form or protocol. In one embodiment of theinvention, legacy SMS processing module 714 processes only those SMSmessages that were transmitted using a legacy protocol for SMS messages.Thus, any messages transmitted using a data packet protocol arecompletely processed by module 712. In another embodiment of theinvention, however, data packet SMS processing module 712 merely servesto receive an SMS message transmitted in a data packet format and toconvert the SMS message to a legacy format for processing by legacy SMSmodule 714. In this embodiment of the invention, module 712 may also beused for converting any type of message or data packet streamtransmitted in an IP format into another format for interpretation andprocessing by mobile terminal 700.

In addition to the aforementioned modules, mobile terminal 700 includesa memory module 716 and a logic unit 718. Logic unit 718 defines theoperational logic of the mobile terminal 700 while memory 716 is used tostore data and operational parameters.

In one embodiment of the invention, mobile terminal 700 is formed withhardware based state machines as is implied by the system shown in FIG.7A. Accordingly, for example, the logic of logic unit 718 is formed inhardware using traditional logic circuitry that defines the desiredoperational functionality. Thus, the methodology illustrated in thepreceding flow charts that relate to the mobile terminal 220 areimplemented by the hardware within logic unit 718 or the other logicunits such as the SMS message processing modules 712 and 714.

FIG. 7B is a functional block diagram of an alternative embodiment of amobile terminal according to the present invention. More specifically,mobile terminal 750 is one that is largely a software based system whoseoperational logic is defined by internally stored software and isexecuted by an internal processor. More specifically, mobile terminal750 includes a processor 752 that is coupled to an internal bus 754 thatin turn is coupled to memory 756. Memory 756 defines temporary buffersfor storing data as well as memory portions for defining and permanentlystoring computer instructions that create the operational logic definedherein this application according to the present invention. For example,memory 756 includes computer instructions that, when executed byprocessor 752, enable the mobile terminal 750 to receive data packetshaving header information and to determine that the data packets form anSMS message 236 and, accordingly, to create the SMS message 236 forprocessing.

Thus, the computer instructions further define logic for processing theSMS messages. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention,memory 756 includes computer instructions that prompt the processor toremove the header information from a plurality of received data packetsand to create an SMS message. Thereafter, the SMS processing logic isdefined by computer instructions also stored within memory 756.

The bus controller 758 serves to control transmissions over the internalbus 754 to enable processor 752 to receive and execute the computerinstructions stored within memory 756. Additionally, as may be seen, anaudio processor 760 is coupled to internal bus 754. In turn, audioprocessor 760 is coupled to a microphone 762 and to a speaker 764 forreceiving and playing audio, respectively. Additionally, mobile terminal750 includes at least one transceiver port 766 that is coupled to anantenna for receiving and transmitting wireless communication signals.

While a mobile terminal 750 formed according to the present inventionmay be implemented in software that is to be executed by an internalprocessor as demonstrated in the system of FIG. 7B or by hardware, suchas the logic hardware modules illustrated in FIG. 7A, it is understoodthat either embodiment implements the operational logic defined hereinin this application according to the present invention. In either case,the mobile terminal 700 or 750 is operable to receive SMS messages in adata packet format and to reconstruct the originally generated SMSmessage for the user of the respective mobile terminal. Thus, as may beseen, the mobile terminal 700 and 750 enable a user to receive SMSmessages transmitted from a GPRS network in a data packet format.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the drawings and detailed description theretoare not intended to limit the invention to the particular formdisclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. As may beseen, the described embodiments may be modified in many different wayswithout departing from the scope or teachings of the invention. Themobile terminal 220 as well as the GGSN and SGSN of the presentinvention may be formed with state machines in hardware, out ofprocessors based systems that execute stored software instructions, or acombination thereof. In general, any system that defines the noveloperational logic defined herein this application is included as a partof the present invention.

1. A system for delivering SMS messages to a mobile terminal,comprising: an SMS message center, includes SMS SS7 circuitry fortransmitting SMS messages over an SS7 network, and includes SMS IPcircuitry for transmitting SMS messages over an IP network to aspecified IP port of a specified gateway GPRS support node; SMSprocessing circuitry coupled to the SMS SS7 circuitry and to the SMS IPcircuitry for delivering messages thereto for transmission to a mobileterminal; a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) having the specified IPport for receiving SMS messages transmitted in an IP protocol over theIP network from the SMS message center; a serving GPRS support node(SGSN) for receiving SMS messages from the gateway GPRS support node,the messages being received in a GPRS tunneling protocol and in an IPprotocol; wherein the SMS processing circuitry is operable to determinewhether to transmit the SMS message to the SGSN by way of the SS7network or to the GGSN by way of the IP port and further wherein theGGSN is operable to receive SMS messages in a data packet format and toconvert the messages to a legacy format for transmission according to aGPRS tunneling protocol; and wireless transceiver circuitry forreceiving the SMS messages from the SGSN, the wireless transceivercircuitry for delivering the SMS message to the mobile terminal.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the serving GPRS support node comprises SMSmessage processing circuitry, which SMS processing circuitry defines SMSmessage processing logic.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the gatewayGPRS support node is coupled to receive SMS messages from a private datanetwork.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the gateway GPRS support nodeis coupled to receive SMS messages from the Internet.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the IP network between the SMS message center and thegateway GPRS support node comprises a plurality of communication pathsand IP routers forming a data packet network wherein the SMS message istransmitted over the plurality of communication paths to a single IPport defined within the GGSN.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the SGSNis formed to query the GPRS HLR to determine whether to forward the SMSmessage to a base station for delivery to the mobile terminal in one ofan IP data packet format or in a legacy SMS format.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the SGSN is formed to receive SMS messages in a legacyform from an SS7 network port and in an IP data packet form from a GGSN.8. A method within a serving GPRS support node operable to deliver SMSmessages to a mobile terminal, comprising: receiving an SMS message atone of two network ports in one of an IP protocol format and a legacySMS message format; determining whether to convert the SMS message fromthe IP protocol format to the legacy SMS message format based uponprocessing capabilities of the mobile terminal; and forwarding themessage to a wireless network for delivery to a mobile terminal.
 9. Themethod of claim 8 wherein one of the two network ports is a data packetcapable port.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the other of the twonetwork ports is an SS7 telephone network capable port.
 11. A servingGPRS support node operable to deliver SMS messages to a mobile terminal,comprising: circuitry for receiving SMS messages in a legacy format froman SS7 network; circuitry for receiving SMS messages in a data packetformat from a gateway GPRS support node by way of a data packet network;and circuitry for determining whether to forward received SMS messagesin one of the legacy format or the data packet format based upon theprocessing capabilities of the mobile terminal.
 12. The serving GPRSsupport node of claim 11 further comprising circuitry to prompt the SGSNto query a GPRS HLR to determine whether a subscriber profile for amobile terminal that is to receive an SMS message prefers to receive itsSMS messages in the legacy or the data packet formats.
 13. The servingGPRS support node of claim 11 wherein the circuitry for receiving SMSmessages from a gateway GPRS support node is formed to reconstructreceived data packets into an SMS message.